Local

Educators visited Blue Haven Bee Company, Harbin Lumber facilities and Haering (above) during an industry tour May 24. They got to see and learn how products are being made locally, as well as learn the variety of positions available locally. (Photos by Sinclair)

Educators visited Blue Haven Bee Company, Harbin Lumber facilities and Haering (above) during an industry tour May 24. They got to see and learn how products are being made locally, as well as learn the variety of positions available locally. (Photos by Sinclair)

Educators take tour of local industries

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — Educators from all elementary schools, the middle school and high school spent the last afternoon of the school year touring local businesses and learning more about what’s actually being done in the community.
Candace Oliver sits with her last kindergarten class. (Photo by Sinclair)

Candace Oliver sits with her last kindergarten class. (Photo by Sinclair)

Candace Oliver retires from lifetime of teaching

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — One thing Candace Oliver will miss when she retires from teaching is the key to her classroom.
Margaret Ayers celebrated her 95th birthday last week like she does each Wednesday, with a trip to Waffle House. (Photo by Sinclair)

Margaret Ayers celebrated her 95th birthday last week like she does each Wednesday, with a trip to Waffle House. (Photo by Sinclair)

Margaret Ayers celebrates 95 years

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer   LAVONIA — Every Wednesday afternoon, Margaret Ayers and a few friends gather at the Waffle House. They drink coffee — Ayers’ is always black — eat whatever they brought to share, and chat.
Scout Troop No. 51 members (clockwise from top left) Connor McDuffie, Jaden Willette, J.T. Strickland and Duncan McDuffie received their Eagle Scout awards during a ceremony May 21 at Lavonia First United Methodist Church. (Photos by Scoggins)

Scout Troop No. 51 members (clockwise from top left) Connor McDuffie, Jaden Willette, J.T. Strickland and Duncan McDuffie received their Eagle Scout awards during a ceremony May 21 at Lavonia First United Methodist Church. (Photos by Scoggins)

Four receive Eagle Scout Awards

By Shane Scoggins Publisher   LAVONIA – A Court of Honor recognized four new Eagle Scouts in Franklin County. Troop No. 51 members Connor McDuffie, J.T.
Cole Roper, Elizabeth Busby, Robin Cato and Alan Mitchell won local races in Tuesday’s primaries.

Cole Roper, Elizabeth Busby, Robin Cato and Alan Mitchell won local races in Tuesday’s primaries.

Incumbents and new faces

By Shane Scoggins Publisher and Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer CARNESVILLE – Two veteran school board members won reelection Tuesday, while voters chose Cole Roper and Elizabeth Busby from a field of newcomers vying for a pair of seats on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.
FCMS teacher Lane Gailey takes a photo of granddaughter Jayden and nephew Lawson during the Graduate Walk Thursday. Jayden and Lawson, both members of the Class of 2022, joined classmates in walking the halls of Franklin County’s elementary schools and the middle school. (Photo by Sinclair)

FCMS teacher Lane Gailey takes a photo of granddaughter Jayden and nephew Lawson during the Graduate Walk Thursday. Jayden and Lawson, both members of the Class of 2022, joined classmates in walking the halls of Franklin County’s elementary schools and the middle school. (Photo by Sinclair)

Graduation Friday for Class of '22

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer CARNESVILLE — Two hundred thirty seven seniors will walk down the steps into Ed Bryant Stadium for the last time as students at Franklin County High School Friday night. Graduation for the class of 2022 will be Friday at 8 p.m.
A large crowd gathered for the Planning Commission hearing on the UDC.

A large crowd gathered for the Planning Commission hearing on the UDC.

Work to continue on UDC

By Shane Scoggins Publisher CARNESVILLE – After hearing comments on a new Unified Development Code, the Franklin County Planning Commission decided last week to continue working on the document with a planned meeting Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at the Franklin County Justice Center.
Shiloh Morgan carries the flag in front of his fa-ther Dusty during a Memorial Day run last year around Lavonia.

Shiloh Morgan carries the flag in front of his fa-ther Dusty during a Memorial Day run last year around Lavonia.

Memorial Day means run, ceremony for Morgan

By Samantha Sinclair Staff Writer On Memorial Day weekend each year, First Sgt. Dusty Morgan puts on patriotic music to listen to through his earbuds, and heads out for his run with an American flag in his hand at 6:12 a.m.
Four-year-old Abel Martin recently used his red Batphone to call his grandfather for help when his babysitter fell ill.

Four-year-old Abel Martin recently used his red Batphone to call his grandfather for help when his babysitter fell ill.

Tot hero uses Batphone to ring for help for sitter

A 4-year-old boy, inspired by a classic TV show, called for help for his babysitter during a recent medical emergency. Abel Martin learned the importance of the Batphone by watching reruns of the Batman television show from the 1960s.